Fanfic Question

[dreiser]

When people email me about my fanfic, I generally reply to them but when it comes to Livejournal (and especially Fanfiction.net) comments I don't respond for the most part. I've just read a lengthy discussion on one of the forums I lurk at where some established and pretty well known fanfic writers were saying to not reply to each and every comment they get is ungrateful and downright rude.

Really? I don't think that. I'm not sure what I would reply with anyway. Thank you over and over? I reply when I have something to say back to the person or they ask a question I have an answer to otherwise I just leave it.

Just wondering what other fanfic writers/readers on my friendslist or who read this LJ think about it.

Comments

[sulkygeek.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's rude. I think SOME people might perceive it as rude and you know those are the people who are most vocal/prone to having such discussions. The squeaky wheel gets the oil changes.

I would venture there are many of your readership who read this, felt it was NOT rude and then were too apathetic to weigh in cos those are the people (who may be a majority) who don't care enough to weigh in...

Also, I think you are super nice and polite. That's kind of how we started talking, remember? Over on that abysmal L-Word board

For me personally, I feel if someone took the time to comment, I'll at least say thank you. But I don't think YOU should have to feel obliged just because a few vocal people voiced that opinion. I bet lots of people were lurking (the way you were, creeper, lol) and just kind of rolled their eyes and moved onto the next topic.

One thing I always admired about you is that you've always seemed largely impervious to feedback. Like, you know your stuff is good and you stand by what you write. I don't think we as fanfic writers should EXPECT people to comment nor should people leaving feedback EXPECT replies back. I think you're awesome.

[dreiser.livejournal.com]

Haha, impervious to feedback, noooo. lol. I like comments and criticism. I just think I'm not as sensistive as the average fanfic writer about stuff people say. Maybe I'm not as super attached to my work? I dunno.

You know I think you're awesome as well. You need to get on G-Talk or something so we can chat again since AIM kills your computer.

[sulkygeek.livejournal.com]

I went on AIM on my laptop whilst in bed last night, but you weren't on AND I WAS SO FILLED WITH SAD. Will's back is better, so I'm on the desktop again but I may just lounge with my laptop after my shower.. hope you're around soon!

[dreiser.livejournal.com]

Aww. I'm around now. I was reading Star Trek Voyager fanfic on my iPod touch. lol. I'm sad like that.